Skopje, 26 April 2023 (MIA) - You are on the right path. Now is the time to adopt the constitutional changes and open the door of your EU membership. The European Union is aware of the Western Balkans' importance and the necessity to resume the Euro-integration process, Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Martin Košatka told a press conference in Skopje on Wednesday.

Deputy FM Košatka said EU doors would open if the country removed the Parliament blockade related to the constitutional changes.

Košatka said today's meeting with Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj focused on the EU integration process, noting that the goal is to start the EU accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania, with the Czech Republic wanting to see the two countries together in the process.

"EU Ambassador David Geer was recently in Brussels and talked to member-states. As far as I heard, his impressions are positive. You are on the right path. If you manage to adopt the constitutional changes then the doors to your Union membership will open. EU is aware of the Western Balkans' importance and the necessity to resume the Euro-integration process," said Košatka.

Marichikj and Košatka also discussed regional developments and agreed that the situation in the EU has changed following the Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Jana Tyrer, Deputy Director General for European Affairs at the MFA, also said the country's EU progress depended on the constitutional changes.

"We keep stressing the importance of resolving the process of constitutional changes but we also understand how complicated the issue is and how difficult the discussions are. At the same time, we keep stressing the importance of North Macedonia's EU accession. We have experience with the negotiations and know that the process is difficult, the conditions are tough but this is a journey worth taking. We hope that you will make the right decision," said Tyrer.

She added that North Macedonia has the support by the Czech Republic on the EU path.

"The doors are open and you will be welcomed. Do not miss this window of opportunity to join the EU. Now is the right time," said Tyrer.